Extra patrols around Greater Manchester following terror alert

On Thursday, the terrorism threat was raised in the wake of the Golder Green stabbing, meaning a terror attack is “highly likely”.

The force in Greater Manchester have said that the safety of everyone in the community remains their “highest priority” and they will work, “day and night”, to keep residents safe.

A spokesperson said: “The safety of everyone within our communities remains our highest priority, and Greater Manchester Police will continue to work, day and night, to keep you safe.

“Following the terror attack in Golders Green, London, earlier this week, extra patrols were deployed around the city-region, with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities, and this will continue.

“We will work closely with our partners, and the approach will be continually reviewed in light of the change in threat level.

“Our neighbourhood policing teams will remain visible and accessible in your area, and we will continue to engage with all our communities across Greater Manchester.

“While you, the public, are urged to remain alert, not alarmed, we ask you trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, please report it to gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, always call 999.”

The decision is not solely a result of the Golders Green attack, the Home Office said, adding that the terrorist threat level in the UK has been “rising for some time, driven by an increase in broader Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK”.

It also comes against a backdrop of “increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community”, it added.

In October, two people were killed at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester issued a statement on social media that said “a growing sense of vulnerability and concern” had been reinforced within Jewish communities across the country.

The statement read: “The JRC is deeply shocked by the terrorist attack in Golders Green targeting members of the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this painful time.

“This attack, like the recent terrorist incident at Heaton Park Synagogue, sends shockwaves far beyond those directly affected. It resonates deeply with Jewish communities across the country, reinforcing a growing sense of vulnerability and concern.

“We urge the Government to take decisive action to address the factors that are radicalising individuals to target British Jews in such violent and deadly ways. There must be a renewed commitment to tackling anti-Jewish racism in all its forms to ensure the safety and security of our community. The perpetrators must face the full force of the law”.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said officers have seen an “elevated threat” to the Jewish community.

Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, he said: “Our casework is increasing across a number of ideologies, and within that, we are seeing an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK.

“We’re also working against an unpredictable global situation that has consequences closer to home, including physical threats by state-linked actors.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged people to be “vigilant”.

“I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much,” she said.

“As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant, as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police. And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working, day and night, to keep our country safe.”